Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis promises to build 1-lakh capacity cricket stadium in Mumbai

Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has promised to accommodate land to build the proposed new stadium in Mumbai, which is set to have a capacity of around 1 lakh spectators at a time. The Maharashtra CM recalled of the proposal he was requested with the then MCA President, Amol Kale, and the current MCA President, Ajinkya Naik, and claimed to fulfil it.

Fadnavis addressed the gathering when some of the stands at the Wankhede Stadium were named after the popular cricketers. Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar, and Sharad Pawar were honoured as stands were named after their names. During his speech, Fadnavus assured to provide the land to build the new cricket ground.

"Last year, Kale (late MCA president Amol Kale) and Ajinkya Naik (The current MCA President) had come to me with a request that the MCA needed to build one more stadium of minimum 1,00,000-crowd capacity. And now today, I'm assuring Ajinkya that if you come with a proposal, then the Maharashtra government will give you an appropriate good piece of land for the MCA to build its own big stadium which can sit 1,00,000 spectators," Fadnavis said while renaming the stands at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 16.

Maharashtra and Mumbai is a state of passionate cricket lovers: Fadnavis

The Maharashtra CM claimed his state and the capital city to have passionate cricket lovers and reminded the world of their contribution to cricket. He addressed the fact that the association will complete its 100 years of formation in 2029 and wished to see the completion of the stadium by then. He promised to provide every possible assistance needed to get the gigantic cricketing arena built.

"Maharashtra and Mumbai is a state of passionate cricket lovers. Everyone knows about Mumbai's contribution to (world) cricket. After four years, the MCA will be completing its 100 years. So by then, we should have our new stadium ready. And whatever the MCA needs to do in order to build that stadium, we will provide that," Fadnavis added.

Mumbai is one of the few cities to have three world-class cricket stadiums. While Brabourne Stadium and Wankhede are located just 800 metres apart, Navi Mumbai also has a facility called the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy Ground, which has been an adopted home for India Women games.